Expanding capabilities, forming international partnerships, and reducing dependence on imports
Aggressive Expansion into Regional Defense Markets
Turkish defense contractor ASFAT (Askeri Fabrika ve Tersane İşletme AŞ) is seeking to establish itself as a key regional hub for military aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services across the Middle East and Africa. With plans to grow its existing facilities and forge strategic international partnerships, ASFAT aims to boost its self-sufficiency and expand its footprint beyond Turkey.
Strategic Growth Through Partnerships and Localization
Speaking exclusively to Breaking Defense at ASFAT’s Ankara headquarters, CEO Mustafa Ilbas emphasized the company’s goal to collaborate and share its technological capabilities. “We want to work together, share everything we have, because Turkey’s defense industry is strong and we have valuable technology,” he said. The company is actively importing new maintenance and production equipment and reducing reliance on foreign supplies, aligning with Turkey’s broader efforts to build an independent defense industry.
International Collaboration with Airbus and Target Markets
ASFAT is working closely with Airbus, which has certified the company to retrofit A-400M military transport aircraft—a flagship project demonstrating technological proficiency. The firm also aims to serve regional clients, such as Kazakhstan, with plans to host its A-400M fleet for maintenance, as part of its strategy to expand in Central Asia.
Additionally, ASFAT has entered joint ventures, such as with YDA Group in Iraq, to build factories for land platforms and military supplies. The company is also working to establish a local presence in Qatar through collaborations with prominent Qatari firms, and discussions are ongoing with Saudi Arabia on naval platform cooperation. Ilbas highlighted that these deals are “win-win,” emphasizing Turkey’s policy of cooperation rather than sales—aiming to build joint capabilities with regional partners.
Expanding the Fleet of Maintained Aircraft and Components
Breaking Defense toured three ASFAT MRO factories across Turkey: one in Kayseri specializing in transport aircraft, one in Eskisehir focused on fighter jets, and another in Ankara dedicated to helicopter maintenance. All facilities produce components locally—such as spare parts for fighter jets—significantly reducing reliance on imports. For example, a fighter jet part that costs 16,314 Lira ($416) if imported can be produced in Turkey for just over 800 Lira.
The company’s localization efforts have decreased foreign material dependence from roughly 80% to about 20%, according to Ilbas, with the goal of further increasing domestically produced parts. ASFAT has completed over 150 defense projects valued at around $5 billion, with ongoing initiatives expanding its technological and manufacturing capabilities.
Focus on Advanced Technology and Cost Savings
At the Ankara Helicopter Maintenance Facility, maintenance on Black Hawks, Chinooks, and other helicopters includes testing engine performance in state-of-the-art computer-controlled benches—some with 3D hologram displays of parts. These high-tech systems enhance efficiency and performance assessment.
Future Growth Ambitions
Ilbas boasted that ASFAT anticipates increasing its revenue “at least five times” in the next five years, driven by expanding international contracts and domestic defense modernization programs. However, he also acknowledged the geopolitical realities that influence defense deals. A notable reminder was the model of the US-made F-35, once slated for Turkey’s fifth-generation fleet, which was canceled after geopolitics disrupted cooperation—highlighting the unpredictable nature of defense alliances.
Conclusion
ASFAT’s strategic efforts to grow regionally, diversify its partnerships, and achieve greater self-reliance position Turkey as a rising force in military aircraft MRO services. Its expansion, technological advancements, and diplomatic collaborations aim to not only bolster Turkey’s defense industry but also meet the rising regional demand for advanced military maintenance and supply chain independence.
